Prioritize Safety: Daily Inspection Checklist for Aerial Lifts
Aerial lifts, also known as scissor lifts and man lifts, are widely used in construction, manufacturing, and other industries. They provide a safe and efficient means of working at heights. However, when not properly maintained or inspected, they can be dangerous. That’s why it’s important to have a daily inspection checklist for aerial or scissor lifts and to perform daily inspections before each use to ensure that they are in safe working condition.
A daily inspection checklist will help you identify any potential hazards or issues with the lift before it is used. Common items included on a daily inspection checklist include checking the lift’s tires, brakes, hydraulic fluid, electrical system, and safety features such as guard rails and outriggers. It is also important to inspect the ground around the lift for any potential trip hazards or obstructions. By performing a thorough daily inspection of your aerial or scissor lift, you can help keep your team safe and prevent costly repairs down the road.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a general scissor lift inspection form. Click here to download it for free. This scissor lift inspection form should be used as a guide when performing daily inspections on aerial or scissor lifts. We recommend that you read the manufacturer’s manual for additional inspection requirements specific to your model of lift.
A comprehensive scissor lift daily inspection checklist should include:
- verifying proper operation of the controls;
- inspecting for any visible signs of damage, corrosion or leaking oil;
- inspecting cables and hoses for wear, damage or kinks;
- examining operability and condition of brakes;
- testing ground fault interrupters (GFI);
- checking battery charge level;
- making sure the emergency stop switch is operational;
- examining platform gate(s), guardrails and tie-off points, as well as any fall arrest systems;
- checking tires/wheels for wear or damage;
- confirming correct tire pressure;
- testing horn/alarm operations, lights, gauges/meters and other warning devices;
- testing steering, brakes and drive functions
In addition to performing a daily inspection, it is also a good idea to keep a scissor lift inspection form on hand. This will help you record the results of any inspections so that you can refer back to them if needed. It is also important to create a man lift safety checklist as part of your overall safety program. This document should include information about proper use, maintenance, and training requirements for operators. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your lifts are safe and well-maintained at all times.
At Safeline Group, the health and safety of workers is a top priority. We offer comprehensive safety training courses tailored to the construction industry including Working at Heights, Forklift Operator training and more. For more information, click here.